Self-Portrait 1897

This is a self-portrait by William Strang, etched in a manner that brings forth the artist not merely as a figure, but as an intellectual labourer. Here, a skull image is included within the frame, subtly acknowledging mortality. The skull, a memento mori, is an ancient symbol, echoing through medieval art and philosophy, reminding us of life's ephemeral nature. Its presence here is not morbid but reflective, suggesting a dialogue between the artist and the inevitable. Think of the vanitas paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, where skulls are surrounded by objects symbolising earthly pleasures. The act of the artist holding documents contrasts sharply with the stark memento mori, reflecting a tension between the tangible world and the contemplation of existence. This juxtaposition is potent, resonating with our own struggles to reconcile our daily lives with the awareness of mortality. The symbolic language speaks to a collective memory.